When we think of holiday movies, we usually see the same familiar titles. But there’s a wealth of films showcasing Black families and their traditions that often get overlooked. These movies span different genres – from heartwarming romantic comedies to lively musical dramas and family stories – and offer a fresh perspective on the season. Whether they’re big-budget films in theaters or cherished TV specials, they capture the joy of Christmas while emphasizing the importance of community and faith. Many have become annual traditions for families, even if they aren’t widely promoted. Discovering these films gives us a more complete and inclusive look at how people across the country celebrate the holidays.
‘The Preacher’s Wife’ (1996)
During a harsh winter, Reverend Henry Biggs is facing challenges in both his marriage and his church. An angel named Dudley comes to Earth to help and guide him. However, Dudley unexpectedly finds himself attracted to the reverend’s wife while trying to fulfill his duties. This heartwarming musical film, featuring a popular gospel soundtrack with performances by Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington, is a beloved holiday classic known for its inspiring story and incredible singing.
‘The Best Man Holiday’ (2013)
A group of college friends get together after fifteen years for a Christmas reunion. As they reconnect, old crushes and competitive feelings come back, and they deal with personal challenges and health issues. The movie mixes emotional moments with humor and the joy of the holiday season. Starring Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, and Regina Hall, the film shows how strong friendships can help people through difficult times.
‘This Christmas’ (2007)
The Whitfield family reunites for the holidays after a long time, but everyone is carrying their own hidden issues. Throughout the break, Ma’Dere attempts to keep things calm as her children deal with love lives and career goals. The movie explores the complexities of family relationships with a mix of music, humor, and heartfelt moments. Starring Idris Elba, Loretta Devine, and Chris Brown, the film highlights the power of forgiveness and the importance of remembering where you come from.
‘Last Holiday’ (2006)
When Georgia Byrd receives a life-changing diagnosis, she chooses to embrace her remaining time with a lavish European vacation. The film shows her blossoming from a timid shop assistant into a self-assured woman who touches the lives of those she meets at a beautiful resort. It’s a heartwarming story of self-discovery, delicious food, and enjoying life to the fullest, set during a winter getaway. Queen Latifah shines in the leading role, offering a touching look at overcoming regret and seizing new opportunities – a fresh take on a beloved story.
‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’ (2020)
A quirky toymaker’s life is brightened by the unexpected arrival of his energetic granddaughter. The movie tells a heartwarming story of creativity, broken trust, and forgiveness, brought to life with a unique steampunk style and lively musical performances. Starring Madalen Mills and Forest Whitaker, this visually beautiful film features original music by John Legend. At its heart, it’s a story about believing in yourself and the lasting impact of family. Critics have celebrated this film as a modern classic for its incredible imagination and its refreshing diversity within the fantasy genre.
‘Friday After Next’ (2002)
After getting robbed on Christmas Eve, Craig and Day-Day take jobs as security guards at a strip mall. They face a lot of strange people and neighborhood craziness while trying to earn enough money to pay their rent. This is the third movie in a well-loved comedy series, and it’s full of funny, street-smart holiday humor. Mike Epps and Ice Cube are hilarious and keep the wild story moving. It’s a funny, realistic take on the holidays, offering something different from typical feel-good holiday movies.
‘Almost Christmas’ (2016)
Following the loss of his wife, a father brings his four grown children and the rest of the family together for Christmas. He hopes they can navigate five days together peacefully, considering their complicated relationships. The story delves into how each family member deals with sadness and their own struggles, with Danny Glover and Mo’Nique heading a cast that balances funny moments with heartfelt emotion. Ultimately, the film highlights the resilience of family connections, even when times are tough.
‘Black Nativity’ (2013)
This heartwarming drama follows a Baltimore teen who spends Christmas with relatives he hasn’t seen in a while. He clashes with his grandfather’s strict household rules, leading him on a path to understanding himself better. Inspired by a classic play by Langston Hughes, the film blends gospel and hip hop music and features strong performances from Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, and Angela Bassett. It’s a story about forgiveness and finding the true spirit of the holiday season.
‘Candy Cane Lane’ (2023)
A dad, determined to win the neighborhood decorating contest, makes a pact with a playful elf. But the deal goes wrong when a magical spell brings the classic “Twelve Days of Christmas” song to life, creating hilarious chaos all over town! Starring Eddie Murphy, this family-friendly adventure mixes fantasy with the spirit of the holidays. The family must team up to break the spell and restore the joy of the season for everyone. It’s a funny and visually exciting movie about how far people will go to win a festive competition.
‘The Perfect Holiday’ (2007)
This charming romantic comedy follows a little girl who tries to help her recently divorced mom find love again – by enlisting the help of a mall Santa. Unbeknownst to the mom, the Santa is actually a songwriter down on his luck, and he finds himself falling for her. Gabrielle Union and Morris Chestnut star in this feel-good movie about blended families and fresh starts, with Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard adding plenty of humor through narration. It’s a heartwarming story that celebrates the little things that make the holidays special.
‘A Madea Christmas’ (2013)
Madea reluctantly agrees to help a friend visit her daughter during the holidays in a quiet, small town. Soon, she’s caught up in the town’s gossip and hidden family issues, all while trying to spread some holiday joy. The movie uses Tyler Perry’s familiar comedic style to explore differences in culture and how people can grow, mixing laugh-out-loud moments with lessons about acceptance and what Christmas really means. It’s a fun, festive addition to the ongoing Madea series, offering a holiday twist on her usual hilarious behavior.
‘Holiday Rush’ (2019)
When a well-known radio DJ suddenly loses his job, it couldn’t come at a worse time – his kids are already rattling off their extravagant Christmas wishes. To get back on the air, he needs to buy a new station, which means his family has to embrace a more modest way of life. As they downsize and work together towards this new goal, they begin to value each other more. Starring Romany Malco, this Netflix film realistically portrays how families can find happiness even without a lot of money, and explores themes of financial change and being a responsible parent.
‘Merry Liddle Christmas’ (2019)
As a total movie buff, I recently watched this film about a businesswoman who really goes all-out trying to create the ideal holiday for her family in her new house. Let me tell you, it doesn’t quite go as planned! There’s a lot of family drama, arguments, and even a little spark of romance with the guy next door. What I loved is that Kelly Rowland isn’t just in it, the story was actually inspired by her own family holidays, which makes it feel so relatable. It really captures that mix of stress and joy when you’re trying to bring everyone together. And people loved it so much, it’s actually spawned a whole series of follow-up movies with the same characters – definitely worth checking out if you enjoy heartwarming, slightly chaotic family comedies!
‘A Holiday Chance’ (2021)
After a powerful media executive unexpectedly dies, his daughters find themselves locked in a battle for control of his company. Their competition heats up during the Christmas season, forcing them to navigate both high-pressure business challenges and deeply personal family issues. Starring Sharon Leal and Nafessa Williams, the film delves into the complicated world of wealth and what people leave behind. The festive holiday setting amplifies the emotional intensity of the sisters’ conflict, bringing years of hidden tensions to the surface.
‘The Christmas Lottery’ (2020)
A man’s life is turned upside down when he wins the lottery, only to lose the winning ticket just before the holidays. He calls his three daughters, with whom he hasn’t spoken in years, hoping they’ll help him find it. As they search, the family encounters funny problems and uncovers long-buried secrets. The movie ultimately shows that strong family bonds are more important than money, and uses the warmth of the holiday season to tell a story about forgiveness and coming together.
‘A Christmas Blessing’ (2023)
During the Christmas season, a woman unexpectedly inherits a community center from her uncle and must figure out what to do with it. She meets a local man deeply committed to the center and the people it serves. Working alongside him, she reconnects with her desire to help others and finds a place where she truly belongs. The movie highlights the value of giving back and the strength of community, and features Kesia Knight Pulliam in a heartwarming holiday story.
‘A New York Christmas Wedding’ (2020)
With her wedding day nearing, a woman receives a visit from an angel who reveals how different her life could be if she’d made a different choice years ago. She gets a glimpse into an alternate reality where she’s engaged to her childhood friend instead of her current fiancé. Set in festive New York City, the film thoughtfully explores themes of discovering who you truly are and balancing that with family and religious expectations. It’s a fresh, inclusive take on the familiar ‘what if’ holiday story, questioning traditions while embracing the joy of the season.
‘A Majestic Christmas’ (2018)
A successful architect comes home to renovate a cherished old theater, transforming it into a modern business space. She clashes with the theater’s new owner, who is hesitant about her vision. As they work through the project during the town’s holiday celebrations, they start to understand each other – both about the building and their growing attraction. Starring Jerrika Hinton and Christian Vincent, the movie is a heartwarming story about balancing tradition with progress, and features the cozy charm of a small-town holiday romance.
‘Miss Me This Christmas’ (2017)
This romantic comedy follows a couple who choose Christmas Day – also their wedding anniversary – to officially end their marriage. While staying at a fancy hotel to finalize the divorce, they both unexpectedly meet new people who spark a connection. As the holiday season unfolds, they’re forced to question if their relationship is truly over, or if the festive atmosphere might bring them back together. The film offers a modern take on the difficulties of long-term love and the added pressure that comes with significant holidays, all during the most wonderful time of the year.
‘You Can’t Fight Christmas’ (2017)
This heartwarming movie tells the story of a Christmas enthusiast who falls for a businessman trying to modernize his family’s hotel by downplaying the holidays. As they work together, sparks fly, and she helps him rediscover the magic of tradition. Set in a stunning hotel filled with festive cheer, the film follows a cynical man learning to embrace the joy of Christmas thanks to a spirited woman. Brely Evans and Sparks lead the cast in this bright and cheerful production.
‘Every Day is Christmas’ (2018)
Okay, so this movie is a really cool take on A Christmas Carol, but with a modern twist! It follows a woman who’s totally obsessed with her job and honestly sees Christmas as a pain. She’s shut out love and family, and honestly, she needs a wake-up call. Toni Braxton plays her, and she’s fantastic! Basically, three ghosts show her what her life used to be like, what’s happening now, and what will happen if she doesn’t change. It’s a classic ghost story setup, but it’s all about finding redemption and realizing what really matters – you know, family and connection. It feels fresh and soulful while still honoring the original story. It’s a really nice update to a tale we all know and love.
‘A Family Reunion Christmas’ (2019)
The McKellan family comes together for the holidays in this special, full-length episode of their popular TV series. The story is a funny and touching look at how the family balances city and southern customs, searching for shared traditions. With Loretta Devine and Tia Mowry adding plenty of heart and humor, the episode emphasizes the value of passing down traditions through generations.
‘The Christmas Pact’ (2018)
Since they were kids, two best friends have always followed special holiday traditions to keep the magic of Christmas alive. But as they get older, their busy lives and growing romantic feelings for each other threaten to break their pact. They’ll have to decide if their friendship is turning into something more as they try to keep their annual traditions going. Starring Kyla Pratt and Jarod Joseph, the film is a heartwarming story about growing up and realizing that the best way to experience the joy of Christmas is with the people who truly know you.
‘A Christmas Surprise’ (2020)
Just as the holidays start, a mom gets a big surprise: her daughter is engaged to someone she’s never even heard of! Determined to get to know him and his family, she throws herself into a joint Christmas celebration. What follows is a funny and chaotic mix of misunderstandings and family drama. The movie playfully examines how protective parents can be and the challenges of bringing two families together, showing how unexpected news can turn the holidays upside down.
‘Cooking Up Christmas’ (2020)
A talented chef becomes a live-in cook for a former baseball star and his three kids. At first, she finds it hard to adjust to his rigid household rules, but she soon charms the family with her delicious cooking and festive Christmas spirit. As they get ready for the holidays, a romance blossoms between the chef and the athlete. This heartwarming story highlights how good food can bring people together and create lasting family traditions. Meagan Holder and Lamman Rucker star in this sweet and cozy holiday romance.
‘Marry Me This Christmas’ (2020)
The movie centers around a woman who comes home for the holidays to assist her family with their yearly Christmas gala. While there, she unexpectedly falls for a friend from her past, and is even more surprised to learn they’ll be working together to plan the event. As they collaborate on the large celebration, they reconnect and rediscover their feelings for each other, all set against the charming backdrop of a small-town Christmas. It’s a story about finding your way back to where you belong and discovering love where you least expect it.
‘Christmas Everlasting’ (2018)
After her sister’s death, a lawyer returns to her hometown and discovers a surprising condition in the will: she must spend the month of December, including Christmas, at her family’s house to inherit it. While there, she reconnects with old friends – including a former love – and begins to uncover long-held family secrets. Starring Tatyana Ali, this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie is a touching story about loss, family history, and the meaning of home.
‘A Christmas For Mary’ (2020)
A journalist takes on a holiday assignment to discover the story behind a captivating portrait of an unknown woman. Her search leads her to a quaint town where she uncovers a decades-old love story and surprising connections to her own family. As she unravels the past, she finds herself increasingly drawn to the woman’s grandson. Starring Vivica A. Fox and Jackée Harry, this film is a heartwarming blend of mystery and holiday romance, suggesting that knowing where you come from can help you find your way forward.
‘Our Christmas Journey’ (2021)
This heartwarming film tells the story of a mother raising her son with autism as they face the holidays. As he grows into adulthood and wants more independence, she learns to adjust and support his journey. The movie offers a genuine and caring portrayal of life for people with autism and those who care for them. Starring Holly Robinson Peete, it’s a unique Christmas film that beautifully and respectfully focuses on disability and the strength of a mother’s love.
‘Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding’ (2020)
Jacquie and Tyler Liddle are back, this time planning a Christmas wedding of their dreams. But as you can imagine, things don’t go quite as planned! Their quirky family members keep getting involved, causing plenty of funny mishaps. Through all the holiday craziness, the couple needs to remember what truly matters: their love for each other. Kelly Rowland returns for this sequel, which builds on the family relationships we first saw in the original movie. It’s a heartwarming story about the joys – and stresses – of family, especially when planning a big wedding.
‘Merry Liddle Christmas Baby’ (2021)
The latest Liddle family movie centers on Jacquie and Tyler as they get ready to welcome their first baby. During the holidays, the family comes together to support them, leading to both heartwarming moments and the usual festive chaos. As they await the arrival of their child, they navigate the joys and challenges of becoming parents, reminding us that the holidays can be a time for new beginnings and exciting changes. Like previous installments, this film combines humor with genuine family connection.
‘A Christmas Stray’ (2021)
After a car breakdown leaves a man stranded in a quaint town on Christmas Eve, he meets a friendly stray dog. A local vet offers him shelter, and he soon discovers the town’s welcoming atmosphere. While waiting for repairs, he unexpectedly falls for the vet and the slower rhythm of small-town life. The movie is a feel-good story about finding what you’re looking for when you least expect it, highlighting the power of human and animal companionship.
‘Writing Around the Christmas Tree’ (2021)
During a holiday writers retreat, a popular romance author who’s never experienced love herself meets another writer who makes her rethink how she approaches stories and relationships. As they both work on their books, a romance begins to blossom between them, mirroring the very tales they’re creating. The movie showcases the warm, inviting feeling of a snowy getaway and the magic of the holiday season. Keshia Knight Pulliam leads the cast in this charming story about the connection between creativity and love.
‘A Jenkins Family Christmas’ (2021)
After their father dies, two sisters try to keep his detailed Christmas traditions alive, but find themselves clashing over how best to remember him while also juggling their own families. An unexpected visitor adds to the chaos, forcing the family to confront old problems. The film uses the festive holiday season to explore themes of family legacy and the complicated relationship between siblings, blending humor with heartfelt moments within a contemporary Black family.
‘A Sisterly Christmas’ (2021)
When their mother unexpectedly wins a holiday vacation, two sisters who haven’t spoken in years are thrown together at a beautiful resort. They’re required to participate in a series of fun, holiday-themed contests, which challenge them and force them to reconnect. As they compete, they start to mend their relationship and remember the close bond they once shared. The movie is a heartwarming story about sisterhood and the importance of forgiveness, especially during the holidays, and the festive resort setting adds to its charm.
‘Miracle in Motor City’ (2021)
When a woman mistakenly promises her church a performance by a Motown legend for their Christmas pageant, she needs help! She turns to an old boyfriend, and together they embark on a search through Detroit to find the singer and convince them to appear. Along the way, they rediscover their feelings for each other and experience the warmth of their community. Starring Tia Mowry, with a special appearance by Smokey Robinson, this heartwarming film celebrates Detroit’s rich musical history and the joy of the holiday season.
‘Hip Hop Family Christmas’ (2021)
A well-known hip hop family tries to improve how the public sees them by starring in a live Christmas TV show. But as the cameras roll, their private disagreements and personal problems come to light, even as they attempt to appear happy and unified for their fans. The film reveals the challenges of being famous and what family life is really like behind the scenes, brought to life by a talented cast of musicians and actors. Ultimately, the story shows that being genuine is more valuable than maintaining a perfect image.
‘A Rich Christmas’ (2021)
A privileged young woman is challenged by her father to work at a homeless shelter, hoping she’ll learn the importance of hard work. As Christmas approaches, she connects with the people she’s helping and begins to question her shallow past. She discovers a new sense of meaning in her life, and even a possible romance, while helping the shelter get ready for the holidays. Starring Bill Bellamy, the film is a heartwarming story about learning humility, growing as a person, and understanding what truly matters in life – focusing on the importance of giving back and finding wealth in experiences, not just possessions.
‘Under the Christmas Tree’ (2021)
A holiday movie centers around a professional tree hunter and a local woman who clash over a beautiful tree chosen for a big town celebration. As they work through their disagreement, they unexpectedly fall for each other. The film is special because it’s a mainstream holiday romance featuring a lesbian couple, and it beautifully captures the spirit of love and the wonder of winter.
‘Christmas Déjà Vu’ (2021)
This musical film tells the story of a woman who dislikes Christmas due to a stalled singing career. An angel grants her a wish to see what her life would be like if she had become a successful star. She finds herself in a world where she’s famous, but discovers that fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ultimately, she realizes that her current life and loved ones are more valuable than any amount of success. Starring Amber Riley, the film features original songs and a heartwarming message about appreciating the life you have.
‘Let’s Meet Again on Christmas Eve’ (2020)
A couple deeply in love makes a pact on Christmas Eve to reunite in two years and see if their relationship has a future. Unexpected life events keep them apart for much longer. Years later, they unexpectedly meet again during the holidays and must decide if their feelings are still strong enough to give their love another chance. The movie, starring Kyla Pratt and Brooks Darnell, explores themes of fate and perfect timing, using the classic storytelling device of a long-held promise to create emotional suspense.
‘Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas’ (2021)
A new pastor starts at a church just before Christmas and finds it challenging to connect with the community. She’s tasked with leading a significant choir performance while trying to meet the expectations of both her congregation and her mother. Filled with gospel music, the film highlights the power of faith and believing in yourself, offering an inspiring and spiritual take on the holiday season, seen through the eyes of a church leader. Kirk Franklin is an executive producer and also appears in the movie.
‘Sound of Christmas’ (2016)
Okay, so I just saw this charming holiday romance, and it’s exactly what you’d expect – and that’s not a bad thing! It centers around a music teacher who finds herself falling for the contractor she meets at work, only to discover his company is planning to tear down her school. It’s a classic setup: will they save the music program, and can they build a relationship while doing it? Lindy Booth and Robin Dunne have great chemistry, and the movie really leans into the emotional power of music. Honestly, it’s a feel-good story that subtly reminds us how important it is to protect the places that bring communities together. If you’re looking for a heartwarming and predictable, but enjoyable, holiday watch, this one delivers.
‘A Holiday in Harlem’ (2021)
A successful businesswoman returns home to Harlem for the holidays to spend time with her grandmother. While there, she finds herself helping to revive a beloved local Christmas tradition and unexpectedly reconnects with a friend from her past. The film beautifully captures the lively spirit and rich history of Harlem during the festive season, starring Olivia Washington in a heartwarming story about finding your roots and the true meaning of home – that it’s not just where you’re from, but where you belong.
‘First Christmas’ (2020)
The movie tells the story of a young woman raised in foster care who gets the chance to spend the holidays with her biological family for the very first time. It follows her as she gets to know her new relatives and tries to fit into their existing holiday traditions. The film beautifully portrays the emotional ups and downs of forming new relationships and discovering what it truly means to belong. It’s a heartwarming and honest look at how family can be found in unexpected places, celebrating acceptance and new beginnings during the holidays.
‘The Christmas Edition’ (2020)
This heartwarming Christmas movie follows a journalist who takes a job at a small-town Alaskan newspaper hoping to turn it around. She focuses on positive local stories to lift everyone’s spirits and save the paper, and in the process, falls for the former owner’s son and discovers the joys of small-town life. Starring Carly Hughes, the film highlights the importance of storytelling and community, and embraces the familiar holiday theme of finding love and success in a surprising place.
‘Christmas on Cherry Lane’ (2023)
This heartwarming film follows three families who live in the same house at different times over several decades, each experiencing pivotal moments during Christmas. Their stories intertwine, demonstrating how the house and the holiday itself shape their lives and legacies. Starring Catherine Bell, Jonathan Bennett, and James Denton, the movie explores themes of family, overcoming challenges, and how time changes us, all within a fresh and engaging holiday movie structure.
‘The Holiday Stocking’ (2022)
A heartwarming Christmas film tells the story of an angel who comes back to Earth, reborn, to help his sisters end a years-long argument. He only has a short time during the holiday season to convince them to put aside their differences and work together on a cherished family tradition: decorating a special holiday stocking. The movie, starring Mykelti Williamson and Nadine Ellis, beautifully illustrates the strength of sibling bonds and reminds us that it’s always possible to heal old wounds and reconnect with family.
‘A Christmas Fumble’ (2022)
A crisis manager takes on a tough case: a retired football player turned commentator is caught in a scandal. The situation becomes personal when she discovers he’s her ex-boyfriend. They’re forced to work together to fix his reputation, all while navigating their complicated past during the holidays. Eva Marcille and Devale Ellis star in this heartwarming romantic comedy that mixes the world of sports with the joy of the holiday season, and explores the difficulties of keeping work and love separate.
Share your favorite films and holiday traditions in the comments.
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2025-12-26 17:30